An unknown number of people are trapped inside the rubble of a building that collapsed in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
The building collapsed on Wednesday morning, May 18, trapping tenants who were occupying one end of the premises.
First responders from the Kiambu Fire Department reported to the scene of the accident and mounted rescue operations.
Two people were confirmed dead during the rescue operation. Police have cordoned off the area to keep off the public.
According to reports, the county fire officers, have sought reinforcement from the Kenya Army and the National Youth Service to strengthen the rescue operations.
A section of the building was demolished by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to pave way for the expansion of the Eastern Bypass into a dual carriageway at a cost of Ksh12.5 billion.
The state-approved the demolitions in a bid to ease traffic on the key road linking Mombasa Road to Thika Superhighway.
The Eastern bypass' primary purpose was to create a shorter route to and from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The traffic east of Nairobi and surrounding areas was the main target.
This was aimed at decongesting Mombasa Road and saving motorists time lost in traffic.
Some of the areas that saw an increase in new projects include Kamakis, Utawala, Ruai, Kamulu, Joska, Malaa, and Tala.
Experts opined that land value along and around the bypass was also set to grow exponentially making the area prime for construction.
In March 2022, tenants of a residential apartment in Kinoo, Kiambu County were evacuated after a five-storey building collapsed, leaning on a nearby flat.
